Re: Drop me a line

: : What is the origin or original meaning of 'drop me a line', very commonly used to request a communication from someone. Originally meaning send me a letter. Does it simply mean putting a short note in a mailbox?

: I haven't a clue as to who first said "Drop me a line," but I've never heard anything to contradict your explanation of the meaning. The use of the verb "drop," for drop it in the mailbox, and "line" for short note (line of text), indicates an informal request for an informal note that should not require much effort. There's no up-to-date equivalent, I fear. "Drop me an e-mail"? "Give me a buzz," and "call me," indicate a spoken, not writeen, communication. And "call me" does not really need a more informal guise. SS

I think I've heard an electronic equivalent: "Ping me" or "I'll ping you" or some such.